Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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509. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department’s policy with regard to refurbishing embassies and ambassadors’ residences; the cost of these works, by year, since 2011 to date in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8254/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently utilises 151 properties abroad. Our official diplomatic and consular premises overseas are key platforms for promoting Ireland’s interests and values abroad, providing vital services to our citizens, our diaspora and to visa-required business travellers resident in the host state who wish to travel to Ireland.

Accordingly, it is necessary that our accommodation confirms with local requirements, is in good condition and presents a positive image of Ireland.

The complex international security environment also requires that we ensure the protection of our staff and visitors as well as the confidentiality of our work.

Refurbishment of our properties is carried out as necessary to ensure that our small teams abroad have the facilities necessary to fulfil their duties and responsibilities. Much of the refurbishment work is planned in advance in order to maintain the fabric of our infrastructure. However some must be undertaken on a reactive basis, for example to address unexpected damage to a building by extreme weather. All expenditure undertaken in respect of refurbishment work was duly sanctioned by my Department in accordance with prescribed procurement procedures.

Details of the costs of refurbishments undertaken by my Department in respect of premises from 2011 to 2015 (to date) are provided below.

My Department is responsible for two Votes: Vote 27 - International Cooperation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade. No major refurbishments were carried out from Vote 27 - International Cooperation in 2013 and 2014, nor are there plans to undertake refurbishment to Irish Aid premises in 2015; therefore the figures below are in respect of Vote 28.